“It was a great feeling, a very proud moment for me and my family of course,” Spyrou said of his contract. “It’s a little weight off my shoulders but the hard work only starts now because the first pro deal doesn’t really mean much to be honest.

“When I’m performing consistently in the first team, that’s when I’ve made it.”

The tall forward now hopes to follow in the footsteps of players such as the Murphy twins, Carlton Morris and Cameron McGeehan in building on Youth Cup success.

He added: “It’s a massive experience for us as second years because it’s our last chance to win it but from what happened in 2013, we’re just looking to replicate that and go as far as we can.”

Spyrou has scored six goals in 14 games for City’s U18s so far this season and also made his first appearances at U23 level.

“I’ve been involved with a few (U23) games and training sessions,” he continued. “I’m happy with my form, obviously I’ve scored in the past two rounds so I’m just looking to carry on and score. I’m more of a striker, to try and get in behind. I’ve been playing that position the past couple of months and developed quite a good relationship with Adam (Idah) my strike partner.

“I think me and him going forward, and the rest of the team obviously, we can cause a lot of problems for their back four.”

Newcastle arrive for tonight’s game (7pm) having won 5-0 at Brighton in the third round and 3-2 after extra-time at Crystal Palace.

“The boys are looking to start fast but we’ll just see how they play,” Spyrou added. “We know what our strengths are and what their weaknesses are, so if we can exploit them, I can’t see anything but us winning.”